In this powerful and deeply honest episode of the Breaking Free podcast, we sit down with two men who have walked through the depths of ketamine addiction and come out the other side with their lives, identities, and futures reclaimed. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level recovery. It explores what addiction really looks like behind the scenes — the high-functioning illusion, the daily use, the denial, the internal battles, the rationalisations, and the voice of addiction that convinces you that you’re “not that bad” while slowly dismantling your life. We hear raw stories of living in active addiction, using from the moment of waking, hiding in professional environments, functioning while falling apart, and the slow erosion of relationships, self-respect, trust, identity, and purpose. The episode unpacks how addiction manipulates the mind, how it disguises itself as logic, and how people come to believe the thoughts that are actually keeping them trapped.

This conversation also dives into the science of addiction, particularly the neurological and psychological impact of ketamine, exploring dissociation, memory, decision-making, emotional disconnection, and the illusion of control. It highlights how understanding the brain, the chemistry, and the mechanics of addiction becomes a turning point in recovery — because you cannot beat what you do not understand. At the heart of this episode is the concept of freedom. Not just freedom from substances, but freedom from the internal battle. Freedom from the constant mental arguments. Freedom from fear. Freedom from shame. Freedom from the identity of addiction.

The conversation shows how recovery is not about restriction, but about reclaiming space — mental space, emotional space, creative space, relational space, and the capacity to live fully again. We explore what real recovery looks like when it becomes identity, not effort. When sobriety is no longer resistance, but clarity. When abstinence is not a “can’t,” but a choice. When healing becomes embodied, not forced. When pride replaces shame. When peace replaces chaos. When trust is rebuilt with partners, children, parents, and self. When relationships transform. When creativity returns. When emotional connection returns. When the person you were before addiction begins to re-emerge — stronger, clearer, and more grounded. This episode also addresses the ketamine epidemic directly, particularly its impact on young people, physical health, long-term damage, and the urgency of early intervention.

It speaks honestly about consequences without fear-mongering, while offering something far more powerful than scare stories — hope. Real, lived, embodied proof that recovery is possible, even at the deepest points of addiction. Above all, this is a story about transformation. About what happens when someone finally reaches the point of “enough.” About what it means to understand your opponent. About learning to see thoughts for what they are. About choosing truth over illusion. About turning chaos into calm, pain into purpose, and survival into a life worth living. This episode is not just for people struggling with addiction.

It’s for families, parents, partners, professionals, and anyone who wants to understand the real psychology of addiction, the reality of recovery, and the power of awareness, support, and human connection. It is a story of courage, honesty, humility, discipline, and freedom — and a reminder that no matter how deep someone is, there is always a way out when the decision is real.

If you’re in addiction, thinking about stopping, scared to reach out, or trapped in the internal battle — this episode is for you. If you love someone who is struggling — this episode is for you. And if you want to understand what real recovery actually looks like — not just abstinence, but transformation — this episode is for you.

In this episode, meet Marcus, Lauren & Jen, the creators of the new Level 2 Program. This conversation explores why the Level 2 Program has been created, what the 'other' work is about and can give people and the personal experiences of the creators in doing their own level of this work.

In this episode of Break Free Sobriety Society, hosts Marcus Nicholas and Lee Butler dive deep into personal experiences and the transformative power of recovery. With candid conversation and a commitment to openness, they reflect on their journeys, offering insights and inspiration for anyone struggling with addiction or mental health challenges.

Lee takes a moment to spotlight Marcus, his longtime friend and collaborator, shining a light on his unwavering dedication to the recovery process. Together, they explore the nuances of childhood trauma, the complexities of personal growth, and what it means to embrace change. Whether you’re currently navigating your own recovery or simply seeking motivation, this episode is a powerful reminder that change is always possible.

Episode 1 - So what's it all about?

Join Marcus and Lee for the launch of the new podcast.

In episode 1 listen to how Break Free came about, listen to there journey and some excellent insight into AVA technique that makes Break Free so unique.